Question
The newborn’s stool is abnormal, appearing scrambled and emitting an unusual odor. How should it be handled?
Answer
Considering that the baby may have digestive issues, it is recommended that parents take the baby to a pediatric gastroenterology department for a diagnosis. At home, parents can initially try giving the baby symptomatic anti-inflammatory medication like Simethicone and Mommy Love, along with applying Dinggui Er umbilical cord plasters on the navel for treatment. If the symptoms do not improve, hospital intravenous therapy may be necessary. Additionally, parents can also try extending the interval between feedings and increasing the baby’s fluid intake. If the baby has a fever, alcohol can be used for a bath to help reduce the fever, but at the same time, it is essential to identify the cause of the fever. It is not advisable to rush into medication before the exact cause is known.